Shaw at the French Open

Shaw was catapulted into the limelight after his impressive tied fifth finish at last week’s Irish Open at Carton House, which earned him by far the biggest cheque of his career (€61,920). The top 10 finish also secured his place in the €3million French Open at Le Golf National and only his second full European Tour event after his first heroic outing in Dublin last week.

The 27-year-old has a full card on the European Challenge Tour and has already been on the road for six weeks with Paris his seventh consecutive tournament in what has turned out to be a very busy period.

“I don’t feel tired,” said Shaw. “I had planned on taking the next two weeks off but it’s the French Open. The guys (on tour) say it’s almost a major, a massive event. I’ve got to keep going, keep riding the wave. The week at home went out the window but I can’t be too disappointed, it’s another great opportunity.”

Shaw travelled on the same flight from Belfast to Paris with Michael Hoey, tournament ambassador for the Northern Ireland Open Challenge presented by Clannah and Xjet, which takes place at the end of August (29th-1st) at Galgorm, the Ballymena venue Shaw represents.

“It’s great to see Gareth do well and take his opportunity,” said Hoey. “He took full advantage after Simon Thornton’s St Omer win got him a spot in the Irish Open and now he gets another big chance in France.”

Shaw’s performance at Carton House gave him a taste at the top table of European golf and his parents are delighted to see him beginning to reap the rewards.

“We are both very proud. Gareth has worked so hard to get to this stage,” said mum Heather. “Competing at this level has always been Gareth’s dream and he deserves everything he gets.”

“We’re as proud as any parents could be right now,” added dad Mervyn.

Since turning pro as a plus three handicapper in 2008, Shaw has cut his teeth on mini tours and made steady progress. It’s a path he maintains will keep him grounded.

“I’ve worked hard, had a pretty good college career, started off okay on the Challenge Tour then struggled for a time on the mini tours where no one wants to be,” added the two-time North of Ireland champion.

“But I’ve come through all of that which will definitely help me appreciate the good times.”

While taking advantage of great opportunities on the main European Tour, Shaw is still focused on the task in hand on the Challenge Tour.

“We will have another great opportunity to compete on home soil and in front of home crowds when the NI Open Challenge takes place at Galgorm at the end of August,” added Shaw, who is currently 51st on the Challenge Tour standings with earnings of €13,800 from nine events, further illustrating the bumper week he enjoyed at the Irish Open.

For now though Shaw is set for another week competing with the big boys on the main European Tour. Perhaps this busy life on the road really is the ideal world that Shaw has always aspired to.

Note: Tickets for the Northern Ireland Open Challenge are on sale and can be purchased from Galgorm Castle Golf Club (028 2564 6161). Full details online (www.niopen.co.uk)